TWI833711B - Apparatus suitable for conveying power and suitable for use with an adapter portion, power system, and farming system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power system which can include an apparatus suitable for conveying power and suitable for use with an adapter portion which is connectable to a power supply source. The apparatus can be pendulously coupled to a support structure and can be pendulously moved relative to the adapter portion. The apparatus can include a casing. The casing can include a plurality of corners, and shaped and dimensioned to carry an alignment portion configurable to facilitate contactless alignment between the apparatus and the adapter portion. The casing can be pendulously coupled, via a plurality of its corners, to the support structure.

Description

Suitable for transmitting electric power and suitable for use with adapter parts in equipment, power systems and planting systems

Field of invention

The present invention relates to power systems suitable for use in a variety of fields.

Background of the invention

The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the invention. It should be understood that this discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to is public, known or within the skill of a person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention. part of common knowledge.

Electrical connectors, also known as power connectors or power adapters, have been used to provide power to electrical appliances or devices. This electrical connector typically includes a plug and receptacle configuration that requires proper alignment before any electrical energy/power can flow.

The plugs and sockets of existing electrical connectors often need to be aligned as a safety measure to avoid potential hazards, such as short circuits or accidental misconnections that can damage electrical equipment, or where current will not flow. For example In other words, the ubiquitous three-prong plug and corresponding socket configuration requires the user to properly align each prong to the associated socket. Another example would be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of a computer, such as a laptop, which can be used as a power connector for charging electrical appliances such as handheld devices.

As is known, the USB plug is aligned with the USB port in order to obtain a reliable connection, and the positive and negative directions need to be distinguished before inserting the USB plug into the USB port. This insertion can easily cause a bad connection between the USB plug of the data cable and the USB port. Additionally, there may be damage to the USB plug and/or USB port due to factors such as strength, angle, or insertion frequency. When damage occurs, this increases the occurrence of short circuits or problems with current flow, thus making it difficult to ensure safe use. The same problem with alignment is faced by users when plugging in power adapters.

In the above example, the user's actions may be overly picky. Users often need to align plugs and sockets with each other. This can be difficult in dimly lit areas or for users with compromised vision.

Additionally, the constant movement of plugs and ports in and out of each other causes wear and tear that contributes to faster degradation of the equipment, resulting in increased costs for replacing the equipment.

Therefore, there is a need for better solutions that improve at least one of the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the invention

Throughout this document, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "includes" or variations will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers without implying the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Furthermore, throughout this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprise" or variations thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers and not to imply the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, there is an apparatus adapted for transmitting electrical power and adapted for use with an adapter portion connectable to an electrical power supply source and containing electrical power from the electrical power supply source. Communicable through a contact module, the device includes: a housing shaped and sized to carry: an alignment portion assembleable to facilitate communication between the device and the adapter portion Contactless alignment; a contact portion capable of coupling to the contact module when alignment between the device and the adapter portion is established, and a sensor portion configured to perform One of operations: preventing and allowing the flow of electrical power between the contact portion and the contact module. This device is advantageous because it provides rapid and complete making and breaking of electrical circuits and ensures electrical contact. Positive high-quality contact between components and thereby eliminates sources of wear and tear that can be caused by poor, arcing contact between components. The device, while providing a secure, strong connection of the electrical contact components, will at the same time be easily detachable with relatively little opening or separation force.

The present invention possesses other objects and features which are advantageous, some of which and the foregoing will be described in the accompanying drawings and forming part of the description. Preferred forms of the present invention are set forth in the following description. It is to be understood, however, that changes in the presentation are such that the drawings and description may be employed within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

100:Power system

101:Power distribution box

102:Equipment/Plug

102a: Shell/Shell

103: Adapter part/socket

103a: Chassis

104:Support structure

105:Alignment part/magnetic component

106: Alignment module/corresponding magnetic component/corresponding magnet component

107:Flexible coupler/chain

108:Cable core wire

109: Entrance module/entrance part/electrical socket

110: Sensor part/alignment sensing magnet

111: Sensor module/reed switch

113: Contact part/electrical contact

112: Contact module/electrical contact

114:Spring

115:Electric socket

117:Control circuit

190:Guidance system

200: Cropping system/farm

201:Growing rack/rack

202:Buildings

203:Growth module/tray

204:Planting module

205:LED lighting equipment

Figure 1 is a front view of a power system according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 along line α-α.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2 along line δ-δ.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2 along line β-β.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 along line γ-γ.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 along line μ-μ.

Figure 7 is an electrical schematic diagram of a power system according to an embodiment.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a planting system associated with the power system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment.

Figures 9 and 10 are various views of a modular unit including growth trays and multiple LEDs above each growth tray.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Throughout this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprise" or variations thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Furthermore, throughout this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprise" or variations thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers and not to imply the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

This disclosure covers electrical systems to which one or more devices may be connected. The power system can distribute power to one or more connected devices. Preferably, the power system may include an adapter portion (eg, an outlet module) and a device (eg, a plug module). The adapter portion can be coupled to a power supply source (eg, a DC power supply or an AC power supply), and a device can be coupled to the adapter portion.

This disclosure further covers that adapter portions and devices can be aligned in a contactless manner. After proper alignment, contact between the adapter portion and the device can be established in a manner that allows power to flow between the adapter portion and the device. In particular, power supplied by the power supply source may be communicated from the adapter portion to the device.

Preferably, the power system includes a guidance system (eg, a magnetic guidance system) that facilitates this contactless alignment between the adapter portion and the device. Via the guidance system, multi-axis based alignment compensation may be provided to advantageously facilitate ease of alignment between the adapter portion and the device.

For example, 6-axis alignment compensation may be provided. Specifically:

- +/- 15 degrees (deg) of roll, pitch and yaw compensation

- +/- 15 millimeters (mm) displacement (X-Y direction) compensation

- +/- 15mm displacement (Z direction) compensation

Additionally, the power system may further include one or more safety measures to ensure that alignment between the adapter portion and the device is properly established before allowing supplied power to flow between the adapter portion and the device.

The safety measure(s) may include, for example, pressure sensing and/or magnetic sensing.

Generally speaking, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the power system may further include a power distributor capable of distributing power to the device(s) connected to the power system. The aforementioned equipment can be coupled to the power distributor.

Preferably, automatic alignment between the adapter and the device can be achieved when the adapter is brought into the proximal end of the device or vice versa (ie, the device is brought into the proximal end of the adapter). achieved.

These are discussed in further detail below with reference to Figures 1-7.

Referring to Figure 1, a power system 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, power system 100 may include a power distribution box 101, a device (eg, plug) 102, and an adapter portion (eg, receptacle) 103. Power system 100 may include more or fewer components as described and/or as depicted. Preferably, device 102 is mobile. Additionally, one or more devices (not shown) may be coupled to power system 100 via power distribution box 101 .

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the power distribution box 101 and equipment 102 may be carried by a support structure 104 such as a bracket. Device 102 may be coupled to electrical distribution box 101 . In an example, power distribution box 101 and equipment 102 may be mounted to a bracket. Support structure 104 (i.e., it carries the electrical distribution box 101 and device 102) may form part of the removable equipment or may be mounted to the removable equipment. The support structure 104 may be made of aluminum, for example. In some embodiments, support structure 104 may be made of other materials such as iron, stainless steel, and the like.

In one embodiment, device 102 may be movably carried by support structure 104 . In particular, device 102 may be movably coupled to support structure 104 . More specifically, the device 102 may be, for example, swingably coupled to the support structure 104 . Still more specifically, the device 102 may be coupled to the support structure 104 in a manner such that pendulum movement of the device 102 relative to the support structure 104 is permitted, for example. In one example, device 102 may be coupled to support structure 104 by one or more flexible couplers 107 (eg, one or more chains).

The adapter portion 103 may, in one embodiment, be positioned at a designated location, such as a mounting post, a warehouse shelf, or any other location suitable for mounting the adapter portion 103 . The adapter portion 103 may be installed or fixed in a designated position via fasteners such as screws, nails, or the like. In another embodiment, the adapter portion 103 may be handheld and its position/location shifted/adjusted according to the holder (ie, user) preference. Additionally, adapter portion 103 may be coupled to a power supply source (not shown).

In some embodiments, the main body of the electrical distribution box 101 is made of any conventional non-conductive material (or electrical insulator), such as plastic, rubber, wood, or combinations or mixtures thereof. The power distribution box 101 may contain one or more electrical circuits having electrical or electronic components, such as rectifiers, analog-to-digital converters, electronic switches, short circuit/open circuit protection, and the like.

Operationally, device 102 and adapter portion 103 may be Depressed or separated. When contacted, power supplied by the power supply source may be communicated from the adapter portion 103 to the device 102 and subsequently to the power distribution box 101 and further subsequently to the device(s) connected to the power distribution box 101 . Conversely, when contact between adapter portion 103 and device 102 is broken (i.e., device 102 and adapter portion 103 have become separated), power to the device(s) is interrupted (i.e., by Power supplied by the power supply source cannot be communicated from the adapter portion 103 to the device 102).

In general, it is preferred that the device 102 and adapter portion 103 be aligned in a contactless manner. After proper alignment, contact between the adapter portion and the device can then be established in a manner such that power (i.e., supplied by a power supply source) can flow between the adapter portion 103 and the device 102 flow.

Preferably, the power system includes a guidance system 190 (eg, a magnetic guidance system) that facilitates movement of the adapter portion 103 when the device 102 is located proximal to the adapter portion 103 (and vice versa). This contactless alignment with device 102. This will be discussed in further detail later with reference to Figures 3-7.

Figure 3 shows device 102 in further detail, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, device 102 may include housing 102a. Housing 102a may be shaped and sized to carry alignment portion 105, sensor portion 110, and contact portion 113. Alignment portion 105 may include one or more magnetic elements in one embodiment. The sensor portion 110 may in one embodiment include one or more devices capable of generating sensor signals (eg, a magnet that generates a sensor signal based on a magnetic field). Contact portion 113 may, for example, be in the form of one or more electrical contacts contact pins and/or sockets.

Figure 4 shows adapter portion 103 in further detail, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, adapter portion 103 may include chassis 103a (ie, similar to housing 102a). Chassis 103a may be shaped and sized to carry alignment module 106, sensor module 111, and contact module 112. Alignment module 106 may include one or more magnetic elements in one embodiment. Sensor module 111 may, in one embodiment, include one or more devices capable of detecting sensor signals (eg, switches such as reed switches capable of detecting sensor signals based on the aforementioned magnetic fields). Contact portion 112 may, for example, be in the form of one or more electrical contact pins and/or sockets. Additionally, the adapter portion 103 may include an inlet module 109 to which a power supply source may be coupled (eg, in the form of an electrical outlet). The inlet module 109 can be coupled to the contact module 112 such that power supplied by the power supply source can be communicated to the contact module 112 . Notably, the adapter portion 103 includes electrical pathways (eg, wires) that couple the inlet portion 109 and the contact module 112 . Sensor module 111 may be positioned along the electrical path between inlet module 109 and contact module 112 . Preferably, as will be discussed in further detail later, sensor module 111 may be configured to allow or prevent power flow through the electrical path between inlet module 109 and contact module 112 .

The invention will now be described with reference to an exemplary scenario in which the guidance system 190 corresponds to a magnetic guidance system and the magnetic elements are used to facilitate automatic alignment between the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 . It is noted that other means of facilitating automatic alignment, such as by means of sensors, mechanical and/or electronic means may also be possible/useful. Obviously, the guidance system 190 can be based on The combination of the alignment part 105 and the alignment module 106. Alignment portion 105 may include one or more magnetic elements, and alignment module 106 may include corresponding one or more magnetic elements. Specifically, for each magnetic element associated with alignment portion 105, alignment module 106 includes a corresponding magnetic element. When brought proximally, an attractive force may be established between the magnetic elements of the alignment portion 105 and the corresponding magnetic elements of the alignment module 106 .

For example, the alignment portion 105 may include first and second magnetic elements positioned/carried at first and second sides of the housing 102a, respectively (ie, where the first and second sides relatively). In this regard, the alignment module 106 may accordingly include first and second corresponding magnetic elements positioned/carried at first and second sides of the chassis 103a, respectively (i.e., where the first side Opposite the second side). The first magnetic element and the first counter magnetic element are positioned so that an attractive force can be established upon their proximity. Similarly, the second magnetic element and the second counter-magnetic element are positioned so that an attractive force can be established upon their approach. In one embodiment, a repulsive force may be generated when the first magnetic element and the second corresponding magnetic element are in proximity. Similarly, when the second magnetic element and the first corresponding magnetic element are in proximity, a repulsive force may be generated.

Specifically, in the foregoing exemplary scenario, the adapter portion 103 may be fixed at a designated location, while the support structure 104 carrying the device 102 may be movable.

When the support structure 104 has moved such that the device 102 is proximal to the adapter portion 103 to the extent that an attractive force can be established between at least the first magnetic element and the first corresponding magnetic element, the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 can be brought into contact with each other. Obviously, if the first magnetic element and the second corresponding magnetic element are in proximity, a repulsive force can occur, thus preventing contact between the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 .

Notably, contactless and/or automatic alignment between the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 may be facilitated by the guidance system 190 by means of attractive and/or repulsive forces as discussed above.

In this regard, when the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 are engaged (ie, when the device 102 is brought into contact with the adapter portion 103 ) such that the contact portion 113 and the contact module 112 are electrically connected and the electrical path can be When the connection between device 102 and adapter portion 103 is properly established, the flow of power from the power supply to device 102 via adapter portion 103 may be allowed.

As mentioned earlier, the device 102 can be coupled to the power distribution box 101, which in turn can be coupled to one or more devices (eg, external equipment). Accordingly, power is provided for various purposes, including lighting equipment such as LED lighting equipment (ie, flashing devices connected to the power distribution box 101). As discussed earlier, this can be achieved when the device 102 and adapter 103 are brought proximal to each other and when attractive forces (meaning improper alignment) are opposed to repulsive forces (meaning improper alignment). alignment) occurs to bring the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 into contact with each other. Accordingly, the contact portion 113 and the contact module 112 can make contact, and an electrical path can be formed therethrough and allow electricity to flow through the power distribution box 101 to the power distribution box 101 and subsequent devices connected to the power system 100 .

This disclosure covers that although electrical paths can be established by automatic alignment/contactless alignment as discussed above, the power system 100 It would be advantageous to have one or more safety mechanisms in place to mitigate safety hazards.

An example of a security mechanism may be based on a combination of sensor portion 110 and sensor module 111 . The sensor portion 110 may, for example, correspond to a magnet (ie, an aligned sensing magnet), and the sensor module 111 may, for example, correspond to a reed switch. A reed switch may be positioned along the electrical path between the inlet module 109 and the contact module 112 . The reed switch can be in one of a closed circuit configuration and an open short circuit configuration. In particular, reed switches can be configured to switch between open circuit configurations and closed circuit configurations. The closed circuit configuration may be, for example, a preset configuration. Therefore, it is noted that in the default configuration, the reed switch effectively places the electrical path between the inlet module 109 and the contact module 112 in an open circuit condition. Additionally, it will be apparent that under open circuit conditions, the flow of power through the electrical path between the inlet module 109 and the contact module 112 will be prevented. Thus, in embodiments, sensor portion 110 may be carried (i.e., positioned/configured) by housing 102a and sensor module 111 may be carried (i.e., positioned/configured) by chassis 103a ), so that in proper alignment (ie, when the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 are in contact), the sensor portion 110 can be brought proximal to the sensor module 111 . When approached, a sensor signal (eg, a magnetic field-based sensor signal) generated by the sensor portion 110 can be detected by the sensor module 111 , and based on this detection, the sensor Module 111 may be configured to allow power to flow through the electrical path between inlet module 109 and contact module 112 . Specifically, when the reed switch detects a magnetic field-based sensor signal generated by the aligned sensing magnet (i.e., due to the aligned sensing magnet and the reed switch being in proximity), the reed switch Can self-power off The circuit configuration (ie, the default configuration) is switched to a closed circuit configuration, thereby allowing power to flow through the electrical path. In this regard, since the reed switch senses the magnetic field-based sensor signal generated by aligning the sensing magnet and switches from an open circuit configuration to a closed circuit configuration, the relationship between the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 Proper alignment between can be determined/determined.

Another example of a safety mechanism may be by configuring the contact portion 113 and/or the contact pin assembly of the contact module 112 to be spring loaded. When device 102 and adapter portion 103 are properly aligned, it is noted that the contact pins will contact (eg, press down) substantially evenly. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether proper alignment exists by determining whether pressure has been applied evenly to each spring-loaded contact pin. In this regard, proper alignment can be determined by means of pressure sensing (ie, spring-loaded contact pins).

It is worth noting that the security mechanism can be a combination of the following:

1) Combination of sensor part 110 and sensor module 111

2) Pressure sensing

Accordingly, it is noted that the power system 100 may include a device 102 adapted to transmit power and adapted for use with the adapter portion 103 . The adapter portion may be connected to a power supply source and may include a contact module 112 through which power from the power supply source may be communicated.

Generally speaking, the device may include a housing shaped and sized to carry an alignment portion 105 that is assembleable to facilitate connection between the device 102 and the adapter portion. Contactless alignment between points 103.

Contact portion 113 capable of coupling to contact module 112 when alignment between device 102 and adapter portion 103 is established.

The sensor portion 110 may be configured to perform one of the following operations: prevent or allow the flow of power between the contact portion 113 and the contact module 112 .

In particular, sensor portion 110 may be configured to prevent or allow the flow of power between contact portion 113 and contact module 112 by generating a sensor signal detectable by sensor module 111 flow. The flow of power between the inlet portion 109 and the contact module 112 may be interrupted depending on whether the sensor signal generated by the sensor portion 110 has been detected by the sensor module 111 . In this regard, the sensor portion 110 may effectively be considered configurable to one of prevent and allow the flow of power between the contact portion 113 and the contact module 112 .

More specifically, sensor portion 110 may be configured to block the flow of power upon determining that alignment between device 102 and adapter portion 103 has been improperly established. Conversely, after it is determined that alignment between device 102 and adapter portion 103 has been properly established, sensor portion 100 can be assembled to allow the flow of power.

The aforementioned magnetic elements and corresponding magnetic elements will be discussed in further detail below with reference to magnetic polarity.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-7, it is noted that in the correct operational position (ie, proper alignment between device 102 and adapter portion 103), magnetic element 105 and corresponding Magnetic components 106 The device 102 and the adapter portion 103 are configured to be brought together by an attractive force formed and directed toward each other. This is typically a situation where the "north" polarity of magnetic element 105 attracts the "south" polarity of the corresponding magnetic element 106. In the incorrect position, the "north" polarity of the magnetic element 105 can be brought close to the "north" polarity of the corresponding magnetic element 106 so that a repulsive force is generated. In some embodiments in which the magnetic elements and corresponding magnetic elements 105, 106 are in incorrect positions, the magnetic elements and corresponding magnetic elements 105, 106 may be repelled away from each other, but may be attracted to each other when repelled via As a result of this action, the magnetic element and the corresponding magnetic element are displaced and automatically brought into correct alignment and are thereafter attracted to each other.

Specifically, Figure 4 illustrates four corresponding magnet elements 106 carried by chassis 103a in one embodiment; and Figure 3 shows four magnetic elements 105 carried by shell 102a in one embodiment. Each magnetic element and corresponding magnetic element has an outwardly facing side indicating polarity (ie, north or south polarity). These magnets guide the device 102 and adapter portion 103 into alignment with each other and then into contact. As can be seen in both Figures 3 and 4, the magnet system is configured in a manner such that the north (N) facing side of a magnet at one corner of the device 102/adapter portion 103 is facing outward, and at The south (S) facing side of the other magnet in the corner close to it is facing outward. The outwardly facing side of the magnetic element 105 of the device 102 attracts the outwardly facing side of the corresponding magnetic element 106 of the adapter portion 103 . This alternating arrangement of magnets minimizes incorrect coupling. It will be appreciated that more or fewer magnetic elements/counter-magnetic elements may be used.

In various embodiments, between device 102 and the adapter portion The alignment compensation of the six axes on the 103 coupling is as follows:

- +/- 15 degrees of pitch and yaw compensation

- +/- 15mm displacement (X-Z axis) compensation

- - 15mm displacement (Y-axis) compensation

- +/- 15 degrees of roll compensation

Pitch is rotation about the Y-axis, yaw is rotation about the Z-axis, and roll is rotation about the X-axis. Notably, the device 102 is swingably carried by the support structure 104 (eg, by means of a chain 107 coupling the device 102 to the support structure 104). Thus, the aforementioned alignment compensation may be facilitated by means of a pendulum coupling of the device 102 to the support structure 104 . For effective coupling and alignment, at least 3 axes of the coupling should be compensated.

In an embodiment, four chains 107 are used, with each chain positioned at each of the four corners of the device 102 . Each chain 107 may connect a corner of the device 102 to the support structure 104 . From Figure 1, two chains 107 are depicted. Chain 107 is preferably made of metal.

Device 102 may be electrically connected to power distribution box 101 via, for example, cable core 108 . Cable core 108 may be flexible. This allows the device 102 to move freely in different axial directions. During the process of the guidance system 190 guiding the alignment between the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 , the 6-axis alignment compensation during the coupling of the device 102 and the adapter portion 103 as mentioned above can be achieved via This free movement of the device 102 is achieved.

FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic diagram of a power system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen in Figure 7, in operation, the adapter portion 103 may include a control circuit 117 connected to the reed switch and its normally open contact. match The electrical socket 109 on the connector portion 103 serves as the power inlet. Once the device 102 and adapter portion 103 are properly coupled together, the alignment sensing magnet 110 carried by the housing 102a of the device 102 will close and be carried by the chassis 103a of the adapter portion 103 The contacts of a reed switch 111 or any electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. This will activate control circuit 117. The reed switch acts as a feedback loop that provides the safety aspect of the invention. The reed switch is only activated when alignment of the sensing magnet 110 is detected.

Once the device 102 and adapter portion 103 have been properly coupled, there is typically a delay of, for example, 3 seconds before power transfers between one or more electrical contacts 112 of the adapter portion 103 and one or more of the device 102 flow between electrical contacts 113.

Clearly, the present invention includes embodiments having more or fewer electrical contacts than illustrated. Electrical contacts 112 and 113 are preferably made of copper or silver-plated copper. Once the alignment sensing magnet 110 is pulled away from the reed switch 111, the reed switch 111 will return to its original position with a normally open contact.

As illustrated in Figure 5, each of one or more electrical contacts (eg, electrical prongs) 113 of plug 102 is loaded with one or more biasing mechanisms, such as springs 114, such that approximately equal pressures may Applied to each of contacts 113 after device 102 is coupled to adapter portion 103 .

The power distribution box 101 may distribute power among one or more LED lighting devices on a movable device, for example. This is done via a plurality of electrical sockets 115, each of which serves as a power outlet as can be seen in Figure 6.

It will now be described in the context of the application of vegetable growing systems Power system 100. References to vegetables in this document shall include all types of plants or plant parts, whether or not produced for food consumption. The invention can be applied to various forms of agricultural and/or horticultural activities for the propagation of all leafy and stem vegetables including fruits. Although the invention is described with reference to a farming system, it will be understood that the invention is applicable to a wide range of other fields and technologies, such as providing connectivity at data centers that host cryptocurrency mining servers. Such as network cable connections for distribution of signal data.

Figure 8 shows a growing system 200 for growing various types of plants. The growing system includes one or more growing racks/racks 201 typically utilized in logistics management and can be extended to at least one growing rack and/or different types of plants such as vegetables or fruits can be placed in a building 202 or any indoor environment. or the height of growth in the rack. For example, farm 200 may be configured to grow a wide variety of vegetables or plants, including but not limited to Pakchoy, Naibai, Chyesim, Romaine Lettuce, Butterhead Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Kale, Arugula, Basil, Cherry Tomatoes, Strawberry, Rice and Japanese Cucumbers. Additionally, plants can be harvested in an automated manner. The growing rack 201 is adapted to hold growing modules/trays 203 that allow plants to grow therein. It is also useful for storage and holding purposes in which one or more types of plants or vegetables can be grown.

In a preferred embodiment, the planting system includes the following components: - an automation system including hardware and control software for the planting bed, loading and unloading of one or more planting modules, water/nutrient supply and lighting; - environment a control system for controlling parameters such as temperature, humidity, _CO2 content control and air ventilation; and - a farm operation management system that integrates the aforementioned systems and provides efficient operation of the growing process within the farm 200.

The building 202 houses at least one growing rack 201, but typically houses a plurality of growing racks or racks that may be used to hold growing modules 203 for growing plants such as vegetables and/or fruits. In various embodiments, each growing rack 201 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the building and is capable of storing a plurality of growing modules 203 along the vertical and longitudinal directions.

In various embodiments, a plurality of growth racks 201 may be laterally configured to define a three-dimensional (3D) array of growth modules 203 along lateral, vertical, and longitudinal directions. Each growth module 203 in the 3D array can receive and store a planting module 204. Therefore, it is noted that a building may correspond to a growing area including one or more growing racks 201 .

In various embodiments as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, one or more LED lighting devices 205 can be installed above each planting tray to provide artificial light for photosynthesis necessary for plant growth. The LED lighting device 205 may be pre-mounted on the growth module 203 of the growth rack/rack 201 at a suitable location or location, such as a horizontal beam or pole. LEDs are energy efficient compared to other types of light sources such as fluorescent or incandescent light bulbs. Furthermore, the narrowband emission of LEDs allows the spectrum of artificial sunlight to be more precisely tuned for optimal growth of different vegetables or plant variants. Additionally, artificial sunlight can be provided to vegetables in a consistent manner compared to traditional sunlight that tends to vary (borrow By pre-defined light cycle). Advantageously, the growth rate of the plant or vegetable is increased, allowing faster harvesting.

To power the LED lighting device 205 when the growth module 203 is loaded into the growth rack 201, a PC 100 as described above is used.

In the preferred embodiment, each growth module 203 has a plug 102 electrically connected to an array of LED lighting devices 205 . Accordingly, the growth rack 201 is installed with a socket 103 for coupling the plug 102 when the growth module 203 is loaded or installed on the growth rack 201 for flowing power to initiate positioning on the growth module 203 LED lighting equipment and/or other electrical equipment. The PC 100 functions such that when the growth module 203 is inserted into the growth frame 201, the LED lighting device 205 is switched on upon insertion. Removing or dismounting the growth module 203 from the growth rack 201 decouples the plug 102 from the socket 103 and the LED lighting device 205 is therefore disconnected upon disassembly.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations and combinations of the features described above that are not alternatives or alternatives may be combined to form yet other embodiments that fall within the intended scope of the invention.

For example, in some embodiments, the receptacle may be removable and the plug fixed at a designated location. In other words, the positions of the jacks and plugs can be interchanged, with any male and female connectors interchanged to create a connection for the flow of electrical energy as is known to those skilled in the art.

100:Power system

101:Power distribution box

102:Equipment/Plug

103: Adapter part/socket

104:Support structure

105:Alignment part/magnetic component

107:Flexible coupler/chain

108:Cable core wire

109: Entrance module/entrance part/electrical socket

111: Sensor module/reed switch

112: Contact module/electrical contact

113: Contact part/electrical contact

115:Electric socket

190:Guidance system

Claims (14)

A device suitable for transmitting electric power and adapted for use with an adapter portion connectable to an electric power supply source and containing a contact module through which electric power from the electric power supply source can pass. The device is swingably coupled to a support structure and swingably movable relative to the adapter portion, the device including: a housing having a plurality of corners and shaped and sized to carry Carrier: A magnetic alignment portion configured to facilitate contactless alignment between the device and the adapter portion by multi-axis alignment compensation such that the device can be compensated for the alignment and free to move relative to the adapter portion; a contact portion capable of coupling to the contact module when alignment between the device and the adapter portion is established, and a sensor portion capable of Assembled to one of prevent and allow the flow of power between the contact portion and the contact module, wherein the housing is swingably coupled to the support structure via its plurality of corners. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is swingably coupled to the support structure at each of its corners. The device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic alignment portion includes one or more magnetic elements adapted in use to be attracted to a corresponding magnetic element on the adapter portion and and align with it. An electrical power system includes: a support structure carrying a device including a magnetic alignment portion having a plurality of corners and swingingly coupled to the support structure; an adapter portion capable of The device is coupled to the device after proper alignment is established with the adapter portion, which includes a magnetic alignment module; wherein the device can be aligned relative to each other due to multi-axis alignment compensation The adapter portion swings and the alignment compensation is associated with an alignment between the device and the adapter portion by the magnetic alignment portion and the magnetic alignment portion. Contactless alignment between quasi-modules is established, and wherein the device can be swingably coupled to the support structure via its multiple corners. The power system of claim 4, wherein the magnetic alignment portion includes one or more magnetic elements, and the magnetic alignment module of the adapter portion includes one or more corresponding magnetic elements, wherein the magnetic The elements are adapted to be attracted to and aligned with the corresponding corresponding magnetic element when the device is correctly aligned with the adapter portion. The power system of claim 4, wherein the swing coupling of the device facilitates alignment compensation during alignment between the device and the adapter portion. Such as the power system of claim 6, wherein the alignment compensation is based on 6-axis alignment compensation. For example, the power system of claim item 6, wherein the alignment supplement Compensation includes +/- 15 degrees of pitch compensation. The power system of claim 6, wherein the alignment compensation includes a yaw compensation of +/- 15 degrees. The power system of claim 6, wherein the alignment compensation includes a roll compensation of +/- 15 degrees. The power system of claim 6, wherein the alignment compensation has a displacement (X-axis) compensation of +/- 15mm. The power system of claim 6, wherein the alignment compensation has a displacement (Z-axis) compensation of +/- 15mm. The power system of claim 6, wherein the alignment compensation has a displacement (Y-axis) compensation of +/- 15mm. A planting system comprising at least one device as claimed in claim 1, the planting system comprising: one or more racks for supporting one or more growth modules; and one or more LED arrays located on the one or more above a plurality of growth modules; wherein the device is attached to the one or more growth modules and the adapter portion is attached to the one or more racks; and wherein when in the one or more growth modules When each is installed on the one or more racks, the device is activated and provides power to the LED array.